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Karen Lindsey-Lloyd
K2L ConsultingIntegrated Leadership/Team Communication Solutions
You Don’t Know Me!Five Generations in the Workplace
What is a Generation?
A society-wide peer group,
born over approximately 20
years, who collectively,
generally possess common
behaviors and traits.
• Generations are shaped by history and events,
technological advances, social changes, economic
conditions, popular culture, regions of the country
2011 Copyright, permission only
Traditionals
Born 1930-1945
The oldest generation in the workplace. May not
be technologically savvy.
Very socially and fiscally conservative. Do not
always enjoy change.
Many are still in the workforce because they
enjoy working, but some are there because they
have to be for financial reasons.
Their life and work experience gives them a lot to
offer but they are rarely asked.
2011 Copyright, permission only
Baby Boomers
Born 1946-1964
Enjoyed the booming, optimistic times post World
War II.
Value hard work and long hours as the means to
success and thus work ethic is extremely
important to them.
Boomers need to be noticed for their hard work.
Varying degrees of comfort with technology and
its purpose. Some are technologically savvy.
2011 Copyright, permission only
Generation X Born 1965-1977
Raised by Baby Boomers who worked long hours and were the first generation to experience the impact of widespread divorce and layoffs.
Gen Xers are very independent and dislike rigid schedules.
Most value being efficient and getting work done quickly.
Want greater balance between their social and work lives than their predecessors--ushered in a more creative, open workplace.
2011 Copyright, permission only
Gen Y or Millennials Born 1977-1990
First generation to grow up with advanced technologies (social networking, cell phones, PDAs, etc.) Very comfortable with technology in every aspect of life.
Tend to be opinionated but are very creative and expect to be challenged.
Grew up in very stable times. Have seen working parents and are more confident.
Less able to communicate face-to-face and apply critical thinking skills. Rarely willing to admit they don’t know something.
2011 Copyright, permission only
Gen 9/11
Born 1990
Youngest generation in the workplace. Has only
seen the world through the prism of the 9/11
tragedy.
Grown up with war and uncertainty and tend to
view the world through that lens.
See the world with less optimism then many of
the other generations.
2011 Copyright, permission only
Common Generational Conflict
SHRM Survey 2007
1. Work Ethic (Gen. X, Y, Millennials)
What does it mean to be “on time” for work?
Higher salary expectations
Different definition of professional attire than Boomers
Why not use text messaging for every communication? Email viewed as old.
Don’t understand “Paying dues” (i.e., expectations for pace of advancement vs. experience/ seniority)
2011 Copyright, permission only
Common Generational Conflict2. Organizational Hierarchy
Older employees tend to accept hierarchies
and respect a chain of command
Younger employees may resist formal
structures, ignore hierarchy
Younger workers tend to prefer more
informal relationships with supervisors than
previous generations (friends on Facebook)
2011 Copyright, permission only
Common Generational Conflict3. Dealing with Change
Younger employees tend to adapt to change more easily than older employees (but not all)
Younger employees typically embrace rapidly changing technologies at work without formal training
All generations challenged to accept different ways of accomplishing work
2011 Copyright, permission only
Common Generational Conflict4. Managing Technology and Communication
Each generation has different levels of comfort with technology in the workplace Not all who are 40 plus are technology dinosaurs, not all 20
somethings are technology wizards
Competing views on using E-mail/cell phones/ iPhone/Blackberry/Text messaging in the workplace
Varying opinions on Web, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter
Strong views on appropriate communication forms necessary for transmitting important information broadly
Understanding when face-to-face/verbal communication is necessary vs. texts, email
2011 Copyright, permission only
Differences between
College and the Workplace
College is about you and
your learning and
development. Improving
yourself is the goal of most
college activities.
• Work is focused on your or your team’s
contribution to reaching a business or institutional
goal. You reach your goals by helping the
organization reach its goals, but your personal
goals are not typically the central focus.
2011 Copyright, permission only
College vs. Work
At college you could
mostly hang with peers of
your own choosing.
At work there may be a
mix of ages, races,
religions and you don’t
always get to pick with
whom you’ll work.
2011 Copyright, permission only
College vs. Work
During college, the focus
is on earning grades.
Work focuses on some
identifiable output that you
are responsible for, but it
is not specifically just
about you or up to you
alone.
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College vs. Work
College activities are usually
highly directed; someone tells
you specifically what is
expected and what you need
to do.
Work requires more self-
direction, problem solving and
critical thinking in reaching the
organizational goals in your
area of responsibility.
2011 Copyright, permission only
College vs. Work
Work: requires more complex critical thinking, combines content skills with intellectual and observational skills. Requires verbal communication and conflict resolution. The feedback or praise is not always immediate or clear.
• College: many
assignments are content
based; expected to learn
certain fact-based material
for the test, assignment, or
other graded evaluation.
2011 Copyright, permission only
What does it mean to me?•Turn the searchlight
inward. Respect the
differences, don’t judge,
find similarities.
•Seek wise counsel from
across the generations.
Not just your own.
•Maturity is a decision.
Not an age.
2011 Copyright, permission only